Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner blocks a Los Angeles Kings shot during the second period in Game 6 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Skinner joins Owen Power and Matty Beniers as the finalists for the Calder Trophy for the 2022-23 season. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-The Orange County Register, Keith Birmingham
Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, Seattle Kraken forward Matty Beniers and Buffalo Sabres defenceman Owen Power are the three finalists for the Calder Trophy.
Skinner led all rookie goaltenders in wins (29) – which was also a franchise rookie record – and games played (50). His 2.75 goals-against average and .914 save percentage were also good for second among first-year players.
Edmonton finished second in the Western Conference standings during the regular season and is currently in a second-round playoff series against the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Beniers, Seattle’s first-ever draft choice as the second overall pick in 2021, led all rookies with 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) across 80 games. He is also the first Calder Trophy nominee in the Kraken’s history.
Power, the first overall pick in 2021, led all rookie defencemen with 35 points (four goals, 31 assists) for the Sabres.
The winner of the award, recognizing the top rookie in the NHL, will be named on June 26 at the NHL awards.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2023.
